Exploring the captivating châteaux of the Loire Valley is a must-do for many visitors to Paris. This small-group tour whisks travelers away from the bustling city to uncover the region’s rich history and architectural gems. From the grand Chambord to the enchanting Chenonceau, and the former residence of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci, this immersive experience promises to transport guests back in time. With a wine tasting and local cuisine, the tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the essence of this remarkable corner of France.
Key Points
- This 13-hour small-group tour from Paris visits the architectural marvels of Château de Chambord, Château du Clos Lucé, and Château de Chenonceau.
- Château de Chambord showcases French Renaissance style with its 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and a double-helix spiral staircase potentially designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
- The tour includes a 40-minute wine tasting at a local winery and a 1-hour leisurely lunch in Amboise, providing an immersive culinary experience.
- Château du Clos Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, offers a 70-minute visit to explore the rooms where he lived and worked.
- Château de Chenonceau, known as the "ladies’ castle," features stunning Renaissance-style architecture and gardens with over 130,000 flowering plants.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Chambord, Chenonceau, Da Vinci Castle Tour from Paris," offers a day-long exploration of three renowned French châteaux.
Priced from $299.08 per person, the small-group tour lasts 13 hours and accommodates 4 to 7 participants in a Mercedes minivan.
Hotel pickup is at 7:30 AM, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes visits to Château de Chambord, a winery, Château du Clos Lucé, and Château de Chenonceau, with skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide-driver or driver plus guide.
Bottled water and all entrance fees are included.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
Château de Chambord kicks off the tour with a 1.5-hour visit to this architectural marvel. Featuring 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, the impressive Renaissance castle may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After, enjoy a 40-minute wine tasting at a local winery followed by a 1-hour lunch in Amboise.
| Château du Clos Lucé | Château de Chenonceau |
| — | — |
| Former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, now a museum. | Known as the "ladies’ castle" with a rich feminine history and stunning gardens. |
| Visit duration: 70 minutes | Visit duration: 1.5 hours |
| Skip-the-line access included | Arrival time: Approximately 16:00 |
Château De Chambord
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord stands as a testament to the grandeur of French Renaissance architecture.
With its iconic roofline and 282 fireplaces, the château boasts an impressive 440 rooms and 84 staircases, including the famous double-helix spiral staircase, potentially designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself.
Visitors can explore the château’s opulent interiors and enjoy its rich history during the allotted 1.5-hour visit.
The château’s breathtaking scale and intricate details captivate all who step through its grand entrance, offering a glimpse into the splendor of the French royal court.
Wine Tasting and Lunch
Approximately 40 minutes are allotted for a wine tasting at a local winery, where visitors can sample the renowned wines of the Loire Valley.
After the tasting, a leisurely one-hour lunch break is provided in the charming town of Amboise. Participants can choose from a variety of local restaurants and cafes, with recommendations from the guide available.
This combination of wine tasting and dining allows travelers to enjoy the culinary traditions of the region while providing a refreshing respite during the day’s activities.
More Great Tours NearbyChâteau Du Clos Lucé
After visiting the magnificent Château de Chambord, the tour proceeds to the Château du Clos Lucé, which was the former residence of the renowned polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
The visit lasts 70 minutes and provides skip-the-line access to this museum. Guests can explore the rooms where da Vinci lived and worked, and view his inventions and models.
The Château du Clos Lucé offers a unique opportunity to step into the life and mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers and artists.
This stop enriches the tour’s exploration of da Vinci’s enduring legacy.
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Château De Chenonceau
The tour then proceeds to the Château de Chenonceau, arriving around 16:00.
Known as the "ladies’ castle", it boasts a rich feminine history and stunning gardens with over 130,000 flowering plants.
Visitors have 1.5 hours to explore the castle’s elegant interiors and picturesque riverside setting.
The château’s architecture reflects the Renaissance style, with distinctive arched spanning the Cher River.
The château’s architecture reflects the Renaissance style, with distinctive arched spanning the Cher River.
This site offers a glimpse into the lives of its notable female residents, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, who left their mark on the castle’s design and function.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes entrance tickets to all three castles – Chambord, Clos Lucé, and Chenonceau.
Plus, it provides a wine tasting at a local winery and a 1-hour lunch in Amboise.
Professional guide-driver or driver plus guide services are included, as well as bottled water and all necessary fees and taxes.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, wheelchair users, or individuals over 309 lbs.
Restrictions include no food in the vehicle and no alcohol or drugs.
Important Information for Travelers
While the Chambord, Chenonceau, Da Vinci Castle Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore renowned French castles, it’s essential for travelers to be aware of certain limitations and requirements. Children under 6 years, wheelchair users, and individuals over 309 lbs (140 kg) are not suited for this tour. Plus, no food is allowed in the vehicle, and the consumption of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. The tour’s customer ratings reflect the overall quality, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and value for money, although some noted physical demands and language barriers.
| Suitability | Restrictions |
|————-|————–|
| ✗ Children under 6 years | ✗ No food in the vehicle |
| ✗ Wheelchair users | ✗ No alcohol or drugs |
| ✗ Individuals over 309 lbs (140 kg) | – |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cancel the Tour at Any Time?
You can cancel the tour for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Beyond that, the provider’s cancellation policy would apply, which may include fees or partial refunds depending on the timing of the cancellation.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. It’s specifically not suitable for children under 6 years old, and there are no special pricing options mentioned for older travelers.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code, but casual and comfortable attire is recommended. Guests should avoid wearing overly revealing or informal clothing, as they’ll be visiting historic sites and cultural landmarks.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, participants cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour restrictions state that no food is allowed in the vehicle and no alcohol or drugs are permitted.
Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Minivan?
No, the minivan does not have Wi-Fi available. The tour itinerary states that no food is allowed in the vehicle, and only bottled water is provided. The focus is on the sightseeing experience rather than in-transit entertainment.
The Wrap Up
This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to explore France’s rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors will be immersed in the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the enchantment of Château de Chenonceau, and the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci at Château du Clos Lucé. The tour includes a wine tasting and a leisurely lunch, providing a well-rounded cultural experience in the picturesque Loire Valley.
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